Customers got up early to try to get their hands on plywood, sandbags and anything else they could find to board up their homes and prevent as much damage as possible.

"I'm going to wait to see about the fence partitions for the windows, because I need something to board up the windows with -- protect the windows," Mila Salgado said. "We've been though hurricanes before, so we are hoping for the best. Let's keep praying for Florida."

Janet Careaga, who recently purchased her first home in Coral Gables, told Local10.com that she is especially concerned about the damage Irma will leave behind after witnessing the destruction in Texas caused by Hurricane Harvey.

"It's definitely alarming, not only because of the strength and magnitude of the storm, but because it's a completely new experience having to gather supplies and board up my home without knowing what the potential damage could look like," Careaga said. "After seeing the recent destruction from Hurricane Harvey, the aftermath is what worries me the most."

Many South Florida residents said they are doing all they can do to prepare and just hope that the storm's eye stays away from Florida.

"We're all praying and trusting God to keep this thing on the ocean, so there won't be devastation so bad and no loss of life," Reginald Powell said. "The most important part is that people prepare (and) there will be no loss of life, and that's what's important -- just be ready."